Free Medication Program Under Review: National Health Fund Seeks 1.8 Billion Zloty in Savings

The Ministry of Health is analyzing structural changes to the free medication program for seniors over 65, aiming to reduce mounting costs by up to 1.8 billion zloty without compromising therapy access.

Scaling Back Rising Costs

The free medication program for those over 65 is becoming increasingly expensive for the state. According to reports from Rzeczpospolita, the Ministry of Health is evaluating adjustments that the National Health Fund (NFZ) estimates could save between 0.5 and 1.8 billion zloty.

While no final decisions have been made, the proposed direction has sparked significant interest among medical professionals and senior citizens. The ministry does not intend to eliminate the program, but rather to limit spending on expensive brand-name drugs when cheaper, therapeutically equivalent alternatives are available.

Disproportionate Growth in Expenditures

Program costs are rising much faster than the number of beneficiaries. In 2025, approximately 7.2 million seniors utilized the program, a 3.2 percent increase from the previous year. However, the total value of reimbursements surged by 23.4 percent.

These figures highlight a clear trend of accelerating expenses across the broader program, which covers seniors, children, and pregnant women. This financial pressure is the primary driver behind the current analytical review of the reimbursement system.

Proposed Changes to Reimbursement Logic

The government is considering restrictions on funding for the most expensive drugs when lower-cost substitutes exist. The NFZ emphasizes that with proper implementation, patient access to necessary therapies should remain stable, provided there is an adequate supply of affordable alternatives.

Experts warn that price alone is not a panacea, as the cheapest versions of medications are not always produced in quantities sufficient to meet the needs of millions. Consequently, the ministry is avoiding radical measures, opting instead for negotiations with manufacturers and thorough availability assessments before enacting changes.

Targeting Price Discrepancies and Waste

A central issue involves significant price gaps between medications containing the same active substance. NFZ data reveals that one drug package might cost the Fund 65 zloty, while an equivalent preparation costs over 370 zloty. The government aims to target these disparities to secure substantial savings.

Additionally, the debate includes concerns regarding medication waste. Some pharmaceuticals are discarded due to treatment changes, premature cessation of therapy, or excessive stockpiling. Industry representatives suggest that organizational improvements could mitigate this waste without limiting medical access.

Timeline for Legislative Action

The Ministry of Health has not yet announced a formal draft of the new regulations, though internal work remains ongoing. Should these proposals proceed through the legislative process, they would represent the most significant adjustment to the free medication program since its expansion to the 65+ age group.